The Festive Economy: How Delhi Women Artisans Keep Traditional Clay Craft Alive Amid Struggles

Indian Express•Published: Oct 10, 2026 04:28 PM IST

During the peak festive season of Navratri and Durga Puja, millions of clay idols, diyas, and traditional items light up markets across India, driven largely by local artisans. The article highlights the daily struggles and craftsmanship of sisters Soniya and Sharda, who travel from Govindpuri to Patparganj in Delhi to sell handmade clay lamps, pots, and Durga idols.

Traditional Pottery Legacy: Sisters Soniya and Sharda carry forward their family's multi-generational pottery and idol-making tradition, crafting items by hand while balancing childcare and business.
Shifting Production Methods: To cope with urbanization and time constraints, artisans now utilize traditional saanchas (moulds) for shaping clay paste while continuing to paint and decorate idols entirely by hand.
Logistical Challenges: Artisans face rising raw material costs and limited digital access, previously traveling to distant hubs like Kolkata by train to procure cheaper supplies.

The Context & Background

As festive preparations like Mahalaya and chokku daan set in, artisans work tirelessly despite low incomes, economic pressures, and limited market access. Their stories underscore the immense cultural and economic value embedded within India's traditional informal festive supply chains.

Why it matters:The resilience of traditional artisans underpins India's multi-billion-dollar festive economy, bridging ancient cultural heritage with modern informal commerce. Highlighting these struggles sheds light on the economic vulnerabilities faced by grassroots craftswomen who drive the festive season.

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